Contrave vs Saxenda
A side-by-side look at two weight management medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Contrave | US Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | naltrexone/bupropion | liraglutide |
| Drug class | Opioid Antagonist / Aminoketone Combination | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist |
| Treats | Chronic weight management | Chronic weight management |
| Category | Weight Management | Weight Management |
| Manufacturer | Currax Pharmaceuticals | Novo Nordisk |
| Year approved | 2014 | 2014 |
| FDA warning | Black box warning | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | — | — |
| Common side effects | Nausea, Constipation, Headache, Increased blood pressure | Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning) |
Frequently asked questions
Is Contrave or Saxenda better?
Neither is universally "better." Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both used for weight management, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Contrave and Saxenda?
Contrave is a Opioid Antagonist / Aminoketone Combination made by Currax Pharmaceuticals, while Saxenda is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist made by Novo Nordisk. See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Contrave has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.